Cotuit Narrows #626

A favorite spot for local anglers to intercept the first schoolie stripers of the season, “The Narrows” also fishes well into the summer and can also be productive in the fall. In the summer there is much boat traffic here and parking restrictions are more vigorously enforced. Although known as a striped bass location, bluefish can sometimes be taken here too as they invade the harbor at times. What draws the bass here early in the year is the presence of a herring run up inside Pirate’s Cove to the north. The water funnels through this area where the large harbor is constricted and is a magnet for gamefish. All the standard striper lures work here with anything that imitates a herring a good bet in the spring. From the small parking area, walk to the east to the narrower portion and cast toward the center. Hogy Originals and Skinnies are excellent choices. This is also a favorite destination of fly anglers. Access is somewhat problematic as the small parking area is posted for Barnstable residents only and that restriction is usually enforced more regularly in the summer than in the fall and spring. Look for a “Town Way to Water” sign on the south side of Old Post Road in the Cotuit section of Barnstable. Walk along the beach in the “wet sand area” below the high tide mark to legally access the water in this ultra-private area.

Tide Chart

Location: Off Old Post Road, Cotuit section of Barnstable

Access: Easy but restricted (see above).

Parking: Small dirt area with parking for a few vehicles, restricted (see above).